2017 Cherry Blossom Festivals in Seoul & Outside of Seoul

via naver blog (cityhan)

The cherry blossom season is upon us, and the flowers are starting to bloom. Of course, to catch the beauty, you’ll want to start planning soon to see the cherry blossom festivals in Korea. You’ll have to be quick; they’re only going to last about a week!

For 2017, the cherry blossoms in Korea will start to bloom at the end of March. It’s a perfect place to come out of winter hibernation to revel in the the good weather, food and fun that accompany the beauty. Of course, the best places to enjoy this is at the numerous cherry blossom festivals all over Korea, but there are also some local areas without the big crowds as well. So grab your camera, picnic bag and sneakers and head to these places for the best cherry blossoms in Seoul and outside of Korea!

Where to See the 2017 Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

1. Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (Jamsil)

Seokchon Lake at Jamsil Station has one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Seoul. The lake itself is definitely beautiful on its own, but with the white cherry blossoms as an added backdrop, it adds to the leisurely romance. Lotte World is right there, so it’s also great for kids and dates.

Festival Dates: April 1 to April 9th
How to get there: Jamsil Station (Line 2, 8), Exit 2 or 3
(Google Map)

2. Cherry Blossom Festival at Yeouido, Seoul

The most popular cherry blossom festival in Seoul is held at Yeouido, which has a beautiful park sitting right on the side of the Han river. It’s perfectly situated for a day out in the sun and to sit under some beautiful cherry blossoms. Also, since this is a festival, there are street vendors, night lights and lots of people. Avoid this place if you dislike big crowds.

Festival Dates: April 4 to April 10
How to get there: Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 2 or 3 | Dangsan Station (Line 2, 9), Exit 3, 4
(Google Map)

3. Cherry Blossom Festival at Seoul Grand Park

Seoul Grand Park is a huge and spacious space to enjoy the best cherry blossoms Seoul has to offer. And while this place will draw crowds, you can still walk through the park comfortably without being bumped by camera-distracted people every few moments. It’s a great place for families as there’s a zoo and an amusement park as well.

4. Cherry Blossoms at the Royal Palaces

Seoul’s Royal Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung and Jongmyo Shrine) were designed for kings. And no palace would be complete without an annual spring bloom. While not all of the palaces have cherry blossoms, there’s a variety of spring flowers that bloom such as apricot blossom, maehwa, royal azalea, persimmon blossom, and peony.

How to get to Gyeongbokgung: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3) or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 1, 5) (Google Map)
How to get to Changdeokgung,Changgyeonggung: Anguk Station (Line 3) (Google Map)
How to get to Deoksugung: City Hall Station (Line 1, 2) (Google Map)
How to get to Jongmyo Shrine: Jongno 3-ga Station (Line 1, 3, 5) (Google Map)

5. Cherry Blossoms at Seoul Forrest

Seoul Forest is situated right in the middle of this hyper urban city, and it doesn’t draw the same crowds as the other cherry blossom festivals in Seoul, making it a perfect place for picnics. Fewer people and tons more space make it easy to sprawl out and maybe even toss a frisbee. Since nature is the theme, there are other spring blooms as well.

How to get there: Seoul Forest Station (Bundang Line), Exit 3
(Google Map)

6. Inwang Mountain Cherry Blossoms

Located a stone’s throw away from Gyeongbokgung Palace is Inwang Mountain. It’s a short and easy hike that’ll take less than 2 hours and tickle your cherry blossom fancy as you head up. While it’s not a full blown festival, the mountains side is beautifully accented with cherry blossoms every few feet. Come here for exercise, fresh air and a cherry blossom filled hike.

How to get there: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 3. Straight 90m to the Gyeongbokgung bus stop and take Jongno Bus 09. Get off at Ogin Apartment.
(Google Map)

7. Geumcheon-gu Cherry Blossom Road

Geumcheon-gu is a residential area on the outskirts of Seoul, and that means you’ll have the chance to enjoy more cherry blossoms without the crazy crowds. For those in south-western Seoul, hop on over and check out their famous cherry blossom road, a 3km pathway to cherry blossom nirvana.

Festival Dates: April 8 – April 9
How to get there: Geumcheon-gu Office Station (Line 1), Exit 1
(Google Maps)

8. Hapjeong Cafe Street (Hongdae Area)

Hapjeong is the calmer, more relaxed version of Hongdae. And that means enjoying a tasty and warm latte under a white cherry blossom tree. And while this is not a cherry blossom festival, the street is lined with beautiful cherry blossom trees, making an outdoor afternoon latte perfect for this area.

Where to See the 2017 Cherry Blossoms in Korea

2017 Cherry Blossom Festival on Jeju Island

Jeju Island is the first place in Korea to see the cherry blossoms, so if you can’t wait, check out the Jeju Wangbeot Cherry Blossom Festival. Unlike some of the other festivals, there’s a stage for traditional Korean dance performances, as well as other multi-cultural shows. The flowers bring out peace and love on this island.

2017 Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival

This festival is one of the most famous in all of Korea. If you’re near Busan, or even in the small city of Changwon, you’ll be lucky to check out this much instagrammed cherry blossom festival. The 2017 Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival has the background for most beautiful Korean drama mama shots, with moats, bridges and trains all backdropped with beautiful and delicate petals.

2017 Everland Cherry Blossom Festival

Of course, the biggest amusement park in Korea has their own cherry blossom festival as well. Come here with loved ones to take roller coasters rides that’ll make you sick, and then see the beautiful cherry blossoms to life your spirits back up.

2017 Eworld Cherry Blossom Festival in Daegu

Dagu’s Eworld Cherry Blossom Festival is another one of Korea’s more famous festivals to be sprinkled by white happiness. If you’re a night owl, this is a great one to see with one of the best night views in the country.

Gangneung Gyeongpodae Cherry Blossom Festival

Gangneung is a beautiful coastal city on South Korea’s east coast with fresh breezes, excellent seafood and at this time of year, wonderful cherry blossoms. If you’re looking for a short getaway from Seoul, it only takes about 2 hours by bus, and the cherry blossoms are the perfect reason to go.

Keith Kim is a Korean-American who has been living in Korea for almost a decade. Being in a unique position as both a Korean and a non-Korean, he's put all his experience and knowledge for surviving in Korea in Survival Korean . Read it to learn how you can survive in Korea.
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